The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-25
HISTORICAL CHRISTMAS READING.
How Some of the Holiday Observances Origi-
nated-ChriStmas in America.

Written for the Sunday Journal.
What season of the year can equal Christ
mas time? When friends meet and hearts are
light; when hands grasped together that
have not touched for many a day; when Charity
reigns queen, aud makes tbs purse strings fly
apart; when the snow, lying white the fields,
and the frost-fowers on the pane, sparkle in the
early sunlight. when the dim church aisles are
bright with evergreens and holly, and the rich
tones of the organ give forth their sweetest
strains All! what time is there like Christ
mast And for how many centuries has it not
been the day of daysl
Though first observed in the year 98, it was
not held as religious festival until 49, when it
ordained by Pope Telesphorus. 1t is the
great family reunion in England. The old peo-
pie sit in the cosy chimney corners, and tell how
it used to be at Xmas, when they young;
and if we may believe them, there never were
such lovely Christmases as those of their youth.
Compared to that golden past. how grey and
coorless appear the present. And though it is
commonplace with people to croak over the
degeneracy of the times, and to look back visit
fully to the past, they have reason who do
over Christmas. 1t was something to speak OF
long ego; indeed, scarcely more than a shadow
of it's former glory remains The yule-log, q
great log of wood, sometimes the root of tree,
brought into the house with great ceremony on
Christmas eve, laid in the fireplace and lighted
with the brand of last years log was great
feature of the past. 1t is stiIl burnt in many
farm houses in England, particularly in the
north While it lasted there great drink
ing, singing, and telling of tales. Sometimes it
was accompanied by Christmas candles; but in
the cottages the only light was from the ruddy
blaze of the great wood fire. The yule-log was
to burn all night; If IL went out it considered
a sign of ill-luck. Herrick mentions it in one of
his songs:
Come bring with noise,
Ny merrie merrie boys
The Christmas log to the firing;
While my good dame, she
Bids We all be free,
And drink to your hearts desiring"
Long ago the huge log was drawn by the serv-
ants into the great hall, where each member,
sitting down in turn upon IL, sang song and
drank cup of spiced ale to merry Xmas and
happy New Year. The log then cast on
the blazing fire, with prayers for the safety OF
the house and Its inhabitants until the next
Christmas tide should como round again Yuie
dough, too, little image Of paste. was formerly
baked at Yule-tide and presented by bakers to
their customers.
Rather 10 curious account of this season is
given by Mr.. Aubrey in his MS. 1856. In Ger
many Christmas eve," he gravey observes.
many sinful things in some places are dun by
young maids or men. e. e, mayd washeth her
feet IN a braZen bason, and afterward throweth
out the water and placeth it in any place. and
hearkens 10 it: by this she will know what man.
ner OF man the future husband will bee. When
she heareth scribbing, she taketh IL that he will
be a scholar scrivener; If she hears sowing,
taylor or shoemaker. etc Yea, say.
maids will keep piece of meat at the first and
three following Advent Sundays. and at twelve
o'clock ct night before Christmas. doe lay the